Pinocchio is on stage almost the whole time, and this challenging role, extending nose included, is magnificently played and sung by Victoria Simmonds, energetic throughout and fully in control of both voice and character. Rebecca Bottone is the remarkably well characterized and beautifully choreographed Cricket, and Mary Plazas sings the part of the striking Blue Fairy, playing the part with clarity and certain command over the puppet.

The Cat and Fox made a superb duo, tenor Mark Wilde and countertenor James Laing playing sly deception and, in his other role as the Coachman taking away boys to be changed into donkeys, Laing in more supercilious guise.